Avatar
Search
Forum Scope




Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon
1885 Lighter Spring
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Avatar
Northern edge of the D/FW Metromess
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 5643
Member Since:
November 7, 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
October 25, 2020 - 10:20 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I’ve determined the existing trigger spring in my 1885 Highwall just won’t do. According to Campbell’s book a lighter spring is available for the standard trigger. He says it’s .012” thick at the tip. Anyone have one lying around or know where I can find one? Homestead is out of them, Brownell’s doesn’t seem to list them, WinchesterBob sent me on a bad link to MVA, pretty sure Midway won’t have it. 

 

Mike

Life Member TSRA, Endowment Member NRA
BBHC Member, TGCA Member
Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe
I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call, Lonesome Dove
Some of my favorite recipes start out with a handful of depleted counterbalance devices.-TXGunNut
Presbyopia be damned, I'm going to shoot this thing! -TXGunNut
Avatar
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 11712
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
October 26, 2020 - 2:08 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Mike,

You should be able to “lighten” the spring currently in your rifle. Take yours out, measure it, and then start reducing it with some emery cloth.

Bert

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

Avatar
Northern edge of the D/FW Metromess
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 5643
Member Since:
November 7, 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
October 27, 2020 - 12:54 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thanks, Bert. Hadn’t really considered that. Need to take it apart and look things over, I guess. I’d rather replace the spring or modify a replacement spring but I’m not seeing much out there. Still puzzled by the ledger notation about the trigger. 

 

Mike

Life Member TSRA, Endowment Member NRA
BBHC Member, TGCA Member
Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe
I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call, Lonesome Dove
Some of my favorite recipes start out with a handful of depleted counterbalance devices.-TXGunNut
Presbyopia be damned, I'm going to shoot this thing! -TXGunNut
Avatar
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 11712
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
October 27, 2020 - 2:21 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

TXGunNut said
Thanks, Bert. Hadn’t really considered that. Need to take it apart and look things over, I guess. I’d rather replace the spring or modify a replacement spring but I’m not seeing much out there. Still puzzled by the ledger notation about the trigger. 

 

Mike  

If you are not sure how to take it apart and remove it, give me call.  What is the serial number on this rifle?

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

Avatar
Northern edge of the D/FW Metromess
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 5643
Member Since:
November 7, 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
5
October 27, 2020 - 1:00 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Bert H. said

TXGunNut said
Thanks, Bert. Hadn’t really considered that. Need to take it apart and look things over, I guess. I’d rather replace the spring or modify a replacement spring but I’m not seeing much out there. Still puzzled by the ledger notation about the trigger. 

 

Mike  

If you are not sure how to take it apart and remove it, give me call.  What is the serial number on this rifle?  

Thanks, Bert. Serial number is 95346. It’s the one you helped me with when I called you from Cabela’s last year. MVA and Wisners apparently have the spring but I’ll take a peek before I start ordering parts. 

 

Mike

Life Member TSRA, Endowment Member NRA
BBHC Member, TGCA Member
Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe
I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call, Lonesome Dove
Some of my favorite recipes start out with a handful of depleted counterbalance devices.-TXGunNut
Presbyopia be damned, I'm going to shoot this thing! -TXGunNut
Avatar
NY
Member
Restricted
Forum Posts: 7119
Member Since:
November 1, 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
6
October 27, 2020 - 1:19 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Bert H. said
Mike,
You should be able to “lighten” the spring currently in your rifle. Take yours out, measure it, and then start reducing it with some emery cloth.
Bert  

He won’t live long enough to remove enough metal with emery to make a difference.  I’ve done this several times using a bench grinder, preferably one of the small variable speed ones using 4″ dia. wheels.  I think thinning it from side to side is more effective than trying to reduce the overall thickness. 

Of course, the only way to prevent taking off TOO much is to keep testing it by reinstalling it in the gun, which wastes a lot of time, but is unavoidable.

BUT, before you go to all that trouble, why not call Wyoming Armory & ask if they can provide or make a lighter spring?  Regular price is $60, but well worth it, considering the time you’ll have to spend working on yours.

Avatar
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 11712
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
7
October 27, 2020 - 1:45 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Mike,

I suspect that the spring currently in your rifle is not the original one Winchester put in it.  More than likely it broke and a past owner replaced it with a heavier spring.  I would be inclined to take it out and make it thinner a little at a time until you get it the point you like it.

Bert

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

Avatar
Northern edge of the D/FW Metromess
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 5643
Member Since:
November 7, 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
8
October 27, 2020 - 4:32 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Good point, Bert. Hadn’t considered the possibility someone installed a replacement spring sometime over the last century or so. Certainly makes sense. Had to work on another rifle last night but should be able to take a look at it tomorrow night. IIRC my Winder musket has a pretty serviceable trigger so may be able to study it a bit for comparison. In fact, I may take it apart first. I haven’t taken a Single Shot apart yet and I’d feel better about learning on that one. 

 

Mike

Life Member TSRA, Endowment Member NRA
BBHC Member, TGCA Member
Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe
I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call, Lonesome Dove
Some of my favorite recipes start out with a handful of depleted counterbalance devices.-TXGunNut
Presbyopia be damned, I'm going to shoot this thing! -TXGunNut
Avatar
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 11712
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
9
October 27, 2020 - 4:46 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Mike,

Be advised that there is a difference between your Sporting Rifle and the Winder Musket.  Specifically, the Sporting rifle is  Flat-spring action whereas the Winder Musket is a coil-spring action.

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

Avatar
Northern edge of the D/FW Metromess
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 5643
Member Since:
November 7, 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
10
October 27, 2020 - 6:22 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Bert H. said
Mike,

Be advised that there is a difference between your Sporting Rifle and the Winder Musket.  Specifically, the Sporting rifle is  Flat-spring action whereas the Winder Musket is a coil-spring action.  

I was kinda thinking that but wasn’t sure. Thanks. Guess I better review that while I have Campbell’s book out.

 

Mike

Life Member TSRA, Endowment Member NRA
BBHC Member, TGCA Member
Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe
I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call, Lonesome Dove
Some of my favorite recipes start out with a handful of depleted counterbalance devices.-TXGunNut
Presbyopia be damned, I'm going to shoot this thing! -TXGunNut
Avatar
Northern edge of the D/FW Metromess
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 5643
Member Since:
November 7, 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
11
October 28, 2020 - 1:37 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Good news: the knock-off spring is about .015” thick. Bad news: in many places the black tar is that thick and thicker. I think I found the reason for the crappy trigger! Trigger, knock-off and lower tang were a gooey mess. Also found a filler screw (I think) rattling around loose between the sear spring and the upper tang and there’s an odd part that I can’t recall it’s exact location or determine it’s function. In a couple of the schematics in Campbell’s book it’s called “279SS”. It’s a small, almost square piece with a threaded hole. I took the breech block out for a thorough cleaning but did not disassemble it. I removed the knock-off from the lower tang and a short pin fell out, I think it goes in the front hole of the knock-off. I’ve discovered that I don’t know the correct order for re-assembly but everything’s clean so that’s a good stopping point for the night. I’m thinking some of that gunk may have been there for over 100 years. 

Yes, Bert, I may need a little help getting this one back together.

 

Mike

Life Member TSRA, Endowment Member NRA
BBHC Member, TGCA Member
Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe
I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call, Lonesome Dove
Some of my favorite recipes start out with a handful of depleted counterbalance devices.-TXGunNut
Presbyopia be damned, I'm going to shoot this thing! -TXGunNut
Avatar
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 11712
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
12
October 28, 2020 - 2:39 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Mike,

Send me a picture(s) of what you have, including the trigger (knock-off) spring.

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

Avatar
NY
Member
Restricted
Forum Posts: 7119
Member Since:
November 1, 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
13
October 28, 2020 - 3:15 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

TXGunNut said
It’s a small, almost square piece with a threaded hole.
 

The knockoff-spring screw nut.

Avatar
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 11712
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
14
October 28, 2020 - 4:31 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

T

clarence said

TXGunNut said
It’s a small, almost square piece with a threaded hole.
 

The knockoff-spring screw nut.  

That was my thought as well, but many of the knock of springs have a thick threaded base and do not use a square nut.  I would like to see a picture of the spring.

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

Avatar
Northern edge of the D/FW Metromess
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 5643
Member Since:
November 7, 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
15
October 28, 2020 - 12:59 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Clarence is right, I’d forgotten that screw comes up through the tang and needs a nut to secure the spring. Thanks!

 

E84E731D-3935-41F0-9961-3B0D040F2C96.jpegImage Enlarger662F4CB1-95C5-4DAD-BD75-D6CD38AF7C33.jpegImage Enlarger

Thinking about using my ultrasonic cleaner to finish cleaning the wee bits. 

 

Mike

Life Member TSRA, Endowment Member NRA
BBHC Member, TGCA Member
Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe
I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call, Lonesome Dove
Some of my favorite recipes start out with a handful of depleted counterbalance devices.-TXGunNut
Presbyopia be damned, I'm going to shoot this thing! -TXGunNut
Avatar
NY
Member
Restricted
Forum Posts: 7119
Member Since:
November 1, 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
16
October 28, 2020 - 2:10 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

TXGunNut said
 Thinking about using my ultrasonic cleaner to finish cleaning the wee bits. 

Ever since Big Brother decreed that his subjects weren’t smart enough to use carbon tet, I’ve used lacquer thinner for this purpose, which will dissolve, or at least soften, even cured epoxy. 

When you put it back together, I’d use that super-slick red grease on all moving parts, esp. the full-cock notch.

Avatar
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 11712
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
17
October 28, 2020 - 2:18 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

TXGunNut said
Clarence is right, I’d forgotten that screw comes up through the tang and needs a nut to secure the spring. Thanks!

 

E84E731D-3935-41F0-9961-3B0D040F2C96.jpegImage Enlarger662F4CB1-95C5-4DAD-BD75-D6CD38AF7C33.jpegImage Enlarger

Thinking about using my ultrasonic cleaner to finish cleaning the wee bits. 

 

Mike  

Mike,

I use 100% pure acetone to clean the crud & goo you are dealing with.  Drop all of the small parts in a plastic tub and immerse them for a few hours.  A nylon brush (old tooth brush) will quickly knock off anything still on the parts after a 2-3 hour soak.

Bert

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

Avatar
Northern edge of the D/FW Metromess
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 5643
Member Since:
November 7, 2015
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
18
October 28, 2020 - 2:29 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

I’m a big fan of hot, soapy water. I scrubbed with Hoppe’s #9 and aerosol cleaners until I got tired of it last night but wasn’t happy  with the results. Here’s pics of cleanup in progress.

 

8BD473CF-737A-441E-9186-929B7FC16AD1.jpegImage EnlargerD4C49BC1-E954-4B3E-A556-F7ED8E765678.jpegImage Enlarger8633BB4E-616D-4DBA-8000-18C293688B65.jpegImage Enlarger

 

Mike

Life Member TSRA, Endowment Member NRA
BBHC Member, TGCA Member
Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe
I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call, Lonesome Dove
Some of my favorite recipes start out with a handful of depleted counterbalance devices.-TXGunNut
Presbyopia be damned, I'm going to shoot this thing! -TXGunNut
Avatar
Location: 32000' +
Moderator
Moderator
Forum Posts: 2286
Member Since:
July 17, 2012
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
19
October 28, 2020 - 2:31 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

For stubborn, hard to clean parts I use Berryman’s B12 Carburetor Cleaner with Toluene (Methyl Benzine).  It strips just about anything off of anything, including paint, lacquer, dried grease, etc. and, as a bonus, it will melt many plastics.  

There is usually no “soak time” with it.  Use in a well ventilated area and keep it far away from the stock and anything painted.

Best Regards,

WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire

http://rimfirepublications.com/  

Avatar
NY
Member
Restricted
Forum Posts: 7119
Member Since:
November 1, 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
20
October 28, 2020 - 3:58 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

JWA said
For stubborn, hard to clean parts I use Berryman’s B12 Carburetor Cleaner with Toluene (Methyl Benzine).

Toluene is an ingredient in lacquer thinner, along with acetone.  What I dislike about pure acetone is it evaporates so quickly that if you use it on a rag, it drys almost before you get started.

I use permanent ink markers on certain plastic signs posted at our range that have to be updated from time to time.  Lacquer thinner or toluene will erase the ink completely, leaving not a smudge, but acetone only smears it.

Forum Timezone: UTC 0
Most Users Ever Online: 4623
Currently Online: twobit, Rick C, MikeP
Guest(s) 371
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Top Posters:
clarence: 7119
TXGunNut: 5643
Chuck: 5070
steve004: 4721
1873man: 4500
Big Larry: 2457
twobit: 2360
mrcvs: 1980
TR: 1799
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 18
Topics: 13595
Posts: 120054

 

Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1915
Members: 9337
Moderators: 4
Admins: 3
Navigation